A Serb who came Malta to play poker and lost all his money when the gambling went wrong went to Sarto outlet and helped himself to three dresses each worth more than €3,000.

Vladimir Ivljanin, 34, admitted to the theft of three Blumarine dresses which he intended to give to his girlfriend as a gift. He was caught red-handed and the dresses were returned immediately. The theft from the St Julian's outlet took place at 1.45pm on Wednesday.

He told Magistrate Neville Camilleri he was sorry for his actions and that he had lost all his money on gambling earlier that day but wanted to buy a gift for his girlfriend.

His defence lawyer, Roberto Montalto, who admitted he was surprised at the value of the three dresses, said his client's intention was to return them to the cash point.

Magistrate Camilleri ignored the defence request for a conditional discharge and, given the value of the dresses, condemned the Serb to 16 months in jail suspended for three years. He also heard that the Serb had a flight booked to leave Malta tomorrow.

Police Inspector Elton Taliana prosecuted.